In the Gospel of Matthew, we find an amazing passage that speaks to our calling as disciples of Christ. Matthew 9:35-10:8 paints a vivid picture of Jesus’ compassion for the crowds, his deep desire for workers in the harvest, and his empowering commissioning of the twelve disciples. This passage not only reveals the heart of Jesus but also carries profound implications for our own lives as followers.
The passage begins with a poignant description of Jesus’ ministry: “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness”. We see a Christ who is not distant or detached, but who is actively engaged in the lives of people, meeting them in their brokenness, teaching them about God’s kingdom, and bringing healing to their bodies and souls. This image sets the stage for the commissioning that follows.
As Jesus observes the crowds, he is moved with compassion, recognizing their desperate need for spiritual guidance and care. He says to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field”. Jesus recognizes the urgency of the work ahead, the vast number of people in need of the good news, and the need for more labourers to join in that mission.
In response to this need, Jesus summons his disciples and imparts to them his authority and power. He gives them the ability to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, and drive out demons. This commissioning is not merely a task to be completed; it is an empowerment to carry on the work of Jesus, to be his hands and feet in the world. It is an invitation for the disciples—and for us—to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation, healing, and transformation.
The significance of this passage extends beyond the twelve disciples. It is an invitation to every one of us, throughout history and across cultures, to participate in the work of God’s kingdom. We, too, are called to be workers in the harvest field, carrying the message of hope and healing to a world in need.
Just as Jesus sent out his disciples, he sends us out with a similar charge: “Go!… As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give”. We are called to proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom, to bring healing and restoration to those who are broken and marginalized, and to extend grace and mercy to all.
In reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the profound privilege and responsibility we have as followers of Christ. We have been entrusted with the message of hope, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the authority to bring transformation. Just as Jesus empowered his disciples, he empowers us to be agents of healing, reconciliation, and love in our own spheres of influence.
As we embrace this calling, we must also remember that it is not our own strength that sustains us but the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. We are called to rely on God’s guidance, to seek God’s wisdom and discernment, and to depend on God’s strength as we engage in the work of the kingdom. It is in this dependence that we find the courage and resilience to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks.
The passage from Matthew 9:35-10:8 serves as a powerful reminder of our calling as disciples of Christ. We are called to be workers in the harvest field, proclaiming the good news, bringing healing and restoration, and extending God’s love to a broken world. Let us embrace this calling with humility, boldness, and compassion, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. May we faithfully carry out the mission entrusted to us, knowing that through our obedience, God’s kingdom will continue to advance and his love will be made known.